An Alternative Natural History of Sussex.
This blog shows the highlights of my day to day findings as a naturalist and ecologist living and working in Sussex. Delivered with a pinch of nihilism, a dash of sarcasm and absolutely no tweeness, here is my attempt to show natural history as it really is: Brutal, beautiful, uncompromising and fascinating...and occasionally ridiculous.

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About Me

I have been studying natural history for some twenty-eight years, fifteen in a professional capacity. I currently work in Sussex as the Senior Ecologist for Sussex Wildlife Trust where I advise on the management of reserves based upon the results of the ecological surveys I carry out. Views here are my own however. I run a number of identification courses and I also do a small amount of freelance ecological consultancy. My main areas of interest are birds, plants and invertebrates and a lot of my spare time is spent in the field. I don't look like a birdwatcher.

Just a quick one today as I have conservation committee tonight. I went to Flatropers with Alice today to discuss management. At the end of the pylon ride at Flatropers there is a nice area facing north full of Devil's-bit Scabious and Goldenrod. Great late summer nectar sources, with lots of hoverflies, tachinids, Hornets and a Woodland Grasshopper. There is also a lot of young Grey Poplar and Alice noticed two adults of the Red Poplar Leaf BeetleChrysomela populi. I have seen this before on Dwarf Willow in dunes on Anglesey. There is another similar species, Chrysomela tremula, that has probably become extinct according to the 'Atlas of the Seed and Leaf Beetles of Britain and Ireland'. This beetle however, lacks the tiny black marks on the rear edge of the elytra which can just be seen in this picture. They eat willows and poplars as adults and larvae and this one was 10 mm long.